Grassroots Motorsports
Issue link: http://grassrootsmotorsports.epubxp.com/i/501675
WHAT TO DO WHEN THINGS SEEM OUT OF CONTROL Car-on-car violence rarely happens during track days, but every now and then someone will run out of talent and spin. Don't panic. • Your hands will follow the path dictated by your eyes. Look at where you want to go, not at what you think you're going to hit. • In a spin, both feet in: If you're past the point of no return, locking up the brakes will send the spinning car along a straight, predictable route. • If you leave the pavement, admit defeat and don't try to save it it's usually best to just ride it out.. Trying to save a spin usually escalates the situation, because now the rest of the feld has to deal with you as you rejoin the track under less-than-ideal conditions. • If it seems like your spin is going to get really bad, do not stick your arm out the window to try to stop the car. Trust us, it won't cancel your date with the tire wall. • After the spin, make visual contact with the corner workers. They will tell you when it's safe to reenter the track. • As you approach pit lane, pull in for a chat with an offcial. This also gives you an opportunity to cool down and look over your car for damage. Not comfortable with the driver or drivers around you? Maybe they're new and still coming up to speed, or perhaps they're rocketing down the straights and parking it in the turns? Either way, try taking a trip down pit lane to create some distance from them on track. And remember, stay slow and safe through the pits. Over the years we've seen plenty of incidents occur at pit-in and pit-out . Don't be that driver. Take it easy when entering and leaving the track, especially when you're faced with narrow, winding pit lanes. Remember, the Formula 1 teams probably aren't scouting that day. photosbyjuha.com photosbyjuha.com FEATURE: YOUR FIRST TRACK DAY Grassroots Motorsports 60